North America Updated
Average Cost of Living in Columbus
The average cost of living in Columbus, United States is $1,821 per month for a single person, and $4,065 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,568 per month. The local average net salary is $3,949 per month.
Affordable
Updated today
Index 41.4 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $1,821 / month
- Family of 4
- $4,065 / mo
- Student
- $1,069 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Columbus
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$3,949.08 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Columbus | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Columbus | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Columbus | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Columbus | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Columbus | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Columbus | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Columbus | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Columbus | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Columbus | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Columbus | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Columbus FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Columbus. |
Rent & Property Prices in Columbus
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,568 | $1,349 – $2,000 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,115 | $900 – $1,300 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $2,592 | $2,170 – $3,500 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,944 | $1,750 – $2,700 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $3,440 | $3,440 – $3,440 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $1,776 | $1,600 – $2,185 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,568$1,349 – $2,000
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,115$900 – $1,300
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $2,592$2,170 – $3,500
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,944$1,750 – $2,700
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $3,440$3,440 – $3,440
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $1,776$1,600 – $2,185
Grocery Prices in Columbus
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $0.86 | $0.74 – $1.06 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $3.14 | $2.20 – $4.41 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $5.42 | $3.75 – $8.82 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $3.74 | $2.00 – $5.99 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $14 | $8.82 – $40 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $15 | $6.59 – $26 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $16 | $11 – $20 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $6.74 | $2.20 – $11 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.69 | $0.97 – $4.41 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $6.04 | $2.20 – $8.82 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $4.75 | $2.20 – $5.51 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $2.90 | $2.20 – $4.41 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $3.42 | $1.96 – $6.59 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.22 | $2.00 – $2.50 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $2.32 | $1.00 – $3.19 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $18 | $12 – $20 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.14 | $1.79 – $2.50 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.06 | $1.50 – $3.76 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $10 | $9.59 – $10 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $0.86$0.74 – $1.06
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $3.14$2.20 – $4.41
- White Rice (1 kg) $5.42$3.75 – $8.82
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $3.74$2.00 – $5.99
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $14$8.82 – $40
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $15$6.59 – $26
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $16$11 – $20
- Apples (1 kg) $6.74$2.20 – $11
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.69$0.97 – $4.41
- Oranges (1 kg) $6.04$2.20 – $8.82
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $4.75$2.20 – $5.51
- Potatoes (1 kg) $2.90$2.20 – $4.41
- Onions (1 kg) $3.42$1.96 – $6.59
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.22$2.00 – $2.50
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $2.32$1.00 – $3.19
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $18$12 – $20
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.14$1.79 – $2.50
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.06$1.50 – $3.76
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $10$9.59 – $10
Public Transport & Car Costs in Columbus
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $2.00 | $2.00 – $2.00 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $62 | $62 – $62 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $3.00 | $3.00 – $3.00 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.27 | $1.27 – $1.27 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $27 | $27 – $27 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $0.85 | $0.76 – $1.29 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $36,168 | $23,476 – $36,168 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $25,449 | $25,186 – $25,696 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $2.00$2.00 – $2.00
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $62$62 – $62
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $3.00$3.00 – $3.00
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.27$1.27 – $1.27
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $27$27 – $27
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $0.85$0.76 – $1.29
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $36,168$23,476 – $36,168
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $25,449$25,186 – $25,696
Utility & Internet Costs in Columbus
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $240 | $125 – $400 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $67 | $30 – $150 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $65 | $45 – $90 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $240$125 – $400
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $67$30 – $150
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $65$45 – $90
Childcare & Preschool in Columbus
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $1,593 | $1,100 – $2,142 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $34,300 | $34,300 – $34,300 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $1,593$1,100 – $2,142
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $34,300$34,300 – $34,300
Clothing Prices in Columbus
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $50 | $40 – $54 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $41 | $30 – $44 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $81 | $50 – $94 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $109 | $60 – $120 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $50$40 – $54
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $41$30 – $44
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $81$50 – $94
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $109$60 – $120
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Columbus
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $40 | $30 – $65 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $41 | $40 – $42 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $13 | $11 – $16 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $40$30 – $65
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $41$40 – $42
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $13$11 – $16
Restaurant Prices in Columbus
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $21 | $15 – $55 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $78 | $55 – $110 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $12 | $10 – $12 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $6.00 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $8.00 | $6.00 – $10 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $5.18 | $3.60 – $8.00 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.54 | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $1.93 | $1.50 – $3.00 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $21$15 – $55
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $78$55 – $110
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $12$10 – $12
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $6.00$4.00 – $8.00
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $8.00$6.00 – $10
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $5.18$3.60 – $8.00
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.54$2.00 – $4.00
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $1.93$1.50 – $3.00
Salaries & Mortgages in Columbus
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $3,949 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 6.08% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $3,949
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 6.08%
Compare Columbus with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
United States
Greenville
Monthly / 1 person
$1,820
vs NYC
41.4/100
United States
Baltimore
Monthly / 1 person
$1,812
vs NYC
41.2/100
United States
Milwaukee
Monthly / 1 person
$1,833
vs NYC
41.7/100
United States
Omaha
Monthly / 1 person
$1,834
vs NYC
41.7/100
United States
Pittsburgh
Monthly / 1 person
$1,849
vs NYC
42/100
United States
Cleveland
Monthly / 1 person
$1,792
vs NYC
40.7/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Columbus?
- An estimated $1,821 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Columbus. A family of four needs around $4,065 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $1,069.
- How much money do I need to live in Columbus?
- Plan for at least $1,821 per month as a single person, $4,065 per month for a family of four, or $1,069 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Columbus.
- What is the average rent in Columbus?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Columbus rents for around $1,568 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $2,592 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Columbus?
- The average monthly net salary in Columbus is around $3,949. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 40% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Columbus?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Columbus costs around $21. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $104 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($0.86/L) and bread ($3.14/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Columbus?
- A monthly public transport pass in Columbus costs around $62. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Columbus?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Columbus costs around $65 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.